MONTOURSVILLE - PennDOT announced Tuesday detours have been lifted on two roadways.

Dave Thompson, media liaison with PennDOT District 3-0, reported Route 4012 outside of Sunbury was opened to traffic after being closed for approximately six weeks. The closure of the road between Reagan Street and Black Mill Road coincided with a closure on Route 147 approximately a half-mile south of Route 61.

Both closures were part of a $889,411 rock slide fence repair project PennDOT undertook with contractor Don E. Bower Inc. which included rock slide fence repair, inlets, cross pipe, a new barrier, shoulder widening and rock removal.

Thompson said that while the work is finished on Route 4012, work on Route 147 is continuing. A width restriction of 10 feet on Route 147 continues, but both lanes remain open to traffic. The repair project's anticipated completion date is Nov. 26.

PennDOT also announced Cider Press Road in Upper Mahanoy Township is open to traffic with the completion of a bridge replacement project.

Started Aug. 11, the project redirected a tributary to Little Mahantongo Creek, removed the previous bridge and placed a new precast box culvert and curbs, upgraded the guardrail and paved the box and roadway approaches.

SUNBURY - A lockdown of the Northumberland County Prison was lifted Wednesday, two days after loose leaf tobacco was tossed over the prison walls.

Commander Brian Wheary, acting warden, said Wednesday that every cell and common area in the prison was searched for 24 hours straight beginning Monday afternoon.

Correctional officers were supervising inmates in the prison yard about 1 p.m. when they noticed the contraband land on a net installed behind the prison walls, Wheary said. The net is designed for such a purpose. The lockdown began a few hours later after shift change, he said.

Preventing contraband from entering the prison is among Wheary's highest priorities, he said, adding that it's a difficult task.

"I think every facility gets contraband in. It's inevitable. Unfortunately, it's easier to get contraband in our facility because of the fact that we're right in the city limits," Wheary said. "People are right in the alleys throwing it over."

No drugs or other contraband was found inside or outside the prison. The lockdown was to be lifted after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday when dinner ended.

Sunbury police and the district attorney's office are conducting an investigation into how contraband allegedly is being smuggled into the prison. Police Chief Brad Hare said last week there was no update.

SUNBURY - A $150,000 insurance settlement has been reached in the death of a Shikellamy High School student killed in a 2012 traffic accident in Union County.

The estate of Travis Tillett settled a wrongful death lawsuit Oct. 20 with 19-year-old Justin Miller and his insurance carrier, State Farm. Deborah and Jonathan Tillett, parents of Travis, are co-administrators of the estate. The lawsuit was filed Aug. 27 in Northumberland County Court of Common Pleas.

The policy limit was $50,000 and the underinsurance limit was $100,000. Other claims could be sought, but an attorney for the Tilletts, David F. Wilk, of Williamsport, said Wednesday the case was closed "for all intents and purposes."

A combined $50,000 in legal fees will be split by Wilk and attorney Jerry Lindheim, of Philadelphia, plus reimbursement of an additional $902.26 in related costs. The remaining money will be held in escrow pending a final order in the Tilletts' divorce.

Miller, 16 years old at the time, was driving 89 mph in a 55-mph zone on Sept. 14, 2012, when he attempted to illegally pass another vehicle along Route 304, near Arrowhead Road. He lost control of a 2004 Ford Explorer, causing it to roll over several times.

Travis Tillett, 16, of Northumberland, was thrown from the vehicle and died from his injuries the next day at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Two other passengers, Robert Coleman and Samuel Mull, suffered serious injuries. Miller's injuries were minor.

The four Shikellamy students were traveling to class at SUN Area Technical Institute, New Berlin.

Miller was initially charged in Union County with felony homicide by vehicle and two felony counts of aggravated assault. His case was transferred to Northumberland County Juvenile Court. He pleaded guilty to two summary traffic violations and was ordered during an adjudication hearing on May 28, 2013, to complete a wilderness challenge program and make a presentation to peers about the dangers of reckless driving. He also lost his license for three years.

Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor imposed the sentence with recommendations from juvenile probation.

SUNBURY - A former Sunbury man accused of assaulting his 67-year-old grandmother will stand trial after a county judge denied his attorney's petition Wednesday to dismiss the charges.

During a habeas corpus hearing, Judge Charles Saylor ruled enough prima facie evidence was established against 23-year-old Erick R. Trometter for the case to proceed to trial, possibly in January.

Taking into account the age, height and weight disparity between Trometter and the alleged victim, Amanda Trometter, and the evidence presented at the hearing, Saylor denied chief public defender Edward Greco's motion to dismiss a felony offense of aggravated assault.

Greco argued that Amanda Trometter was not hospitalized as a result of the alleged assault, didn't lose consciousness and had no trouble driving from her home to the county Area Agency on Aging (AAA) after the July 8 incident at a residence she then shared with her grandson at 618 Susquehanna Ave., Sunbury.

Assistant district attorney Michael Seward said Trometter's assault on his grandmother posed a serious risk to her life and that the aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment charges filed by Sunbury Patrolman Scott Hause were justified.

The victim recounted testimony she presented at a Sept. 10 preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum.

Amanda Trometter said the defendant initially pounded on her legs as she laid in bed before kicking her in the face, head and breast with his bare feet, causing swelling and her nose to bleed. She said the assault occurred between 8 and 8:30 a.m.

The witness said the defendant did not prevent her from leaving the home. She said she went outside, sat in her truck and cried before driving to the county Area Agency on Aging (AAA) office to report the assault.

She said an AAA employee notified police, who quickly responded to the office and interviewed her.

The victim, who is diabetic, said the defendant told her she belonged in the ground, a comment she took to mean that he would kill her.

"He hit me five or six times, maybe more," Amanda Trometter said. "I felt scared and numbness and couldn't move at first."

Amanda Trometter said she's still sore from the assault and takes pain pills.

The victim said she had chest X-rays taken and underwent an ultrasound about a month after the incident, but the tests were negative.

Tiffany Wernett, a human services worker with the AAA, said Amanda Trometter was "crying hysterically with blood coming from her nose" when she met her at the agency after the assault. She said Trometter's eye also was swollen.

Wernett said she called 911 to report the incident to Sunbury police and sat with the victim through her police interview. The witness said she later drove Trometter to Northumberland County Courthouse to file a protection from abuse order against her grandson.

Hours after the assault, Trometter, while brandishing a knife and resisting arrest, was shot once in the abdomen by Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare, who then was acting chief. Hare and Hause were in attendance at Wednesday's hearing, but did not testify.

Hare was cleared in the shooting incident by district attorney Ann Targonski following an investigation by state police. Trometter has not yet been charged by state police at Stonington in connection with the shooting.

Trometter was hospitalized at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, until Aug. 19. He was incarcerated for one day before being released and remains under electronic surveillance at the Elizabethville home of his mother, Tammy Trometter.

He appeared in court in black sneakers with a white stripe, shorts and T-shirt and was using a cane to get around as a result of a wound suffered in the shooting. He had an electronic bracelet on his right ankle.

Although he walked slowly, his gait and overall condition have improved since his arraignment.

Trometter, who was accompanied by his mother, and Greco declined comment after the hearing.

Seward said, "The next step is a jury trial."

SUNBURY - Randi Buehner, of Sunbury, informed Northumberland County commissioners and the public Tuesday that Otterbein United Methodist Church in Sunbury will co-sponsor a Group Cares Work Camp from July 12 to July 18 in Sunbury.

She said 440 campers from different states will make repairs to homes of eligible residents at no cost. Similar camps held in Shamokin during the past couple years were successful.

Buehner said 35 applications from residents have been received thus far and urged more people to participate. Buehner left applications at the front desk of the administrative center.

She said the group is seeking monetary donations.

Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi quickly agreed to donate $500 toward the project.

For more information about the work camp, call 570-286-8709.

In other business at the meeting, the commissioners awarded a contract to Nestlerode Contracting Company Inc. to replace a county bridge on Township Route 608 over Warrior Run in Delaware Township at its low bid of $584,872.15.

The commissioners authorized Human Resources Director Joseph Picarelli to agree to any settlement of a union grievance at an amount not to exceed $2,000.

The board passed a resolution supporting an Oct. 22 decision by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) to establish an unemployment compensation program known as the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Trust to provide unemployment compensation coverage for all CCAP members and county-related entities wishing to participate in the program.

Clausi and Commissioner Stephen Bridy approved the resolution, while Commissioner Richard Shoch voted against it because it wasn't on the agenda.

Bridy said the agreement will reduce county liability from $100,000 to $25,000, while saving CCAP $25,000.

The ballot for the Nov. 4 general election is a short one, but its length is certainly not a reflection of the importance of the offices.

The race for Pennsylvania governor and lieutenant governor has top billing, and voters will also decide will who represent them in the U.S. House of Representatives and Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the next two years.

Gov. Tom Corbett, incumbent Republican, is facing a strong challenge from Democrat Tom Wolf, who has consistently led in public opinion polls since his nomination in May. Candidates for lieutenant governor are incumbent Republican Jim Cawley and Democratic state Sen. Mike Stack. Stack was elected to his fourth senatorial term in 2012; he represents the 5th Senatorial District, which is located in northeast Philadelphia.

Voters cannot split their ballots for governor and lieutenant governor. They must vote for either Corbett and Cawley or Wolf and Stack.

U.S. Congress

U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta (R-11), of Hazleton, whose district includes the Shamokin-Mount Carmel area, is seeking re-election to a third term. He is opposed by Democrat Andy Ostrowski, of Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County. Ostrowski is founder of the Pennsylvania Civil Rights Law Network.

Barletta has represented the Shamokin-Mount Carmel only since the 2012 election following the redistricting that took place as a result of the 2010 Census.

The sprawling 11th Congressional District contains all or part of nine counties, from Cumberland in the south to Wyoming in the north. Municipalities in Northumberland County that are included in the 11th District are the cities of Shamokin and Sunbury, the boroughs of Herndon, Kulpmont, Marion Heights, Mount Carmel and Snydertown and part of Riverside, and Coal, East Cameron, Jackson, Jordan, Little Mahanoy, Mount Carmel, Ralpho, Rockefeller, Rush, Shamokin, Upper Augusta, Upper Mahanoy, Washington, West Cameron and Zerbe townships.

The remainder of Northumberland County is in the 10th Congressional District, which is represented by U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, of Lycoming County. Marino is opposed by Democrat Scott F. Brion, a businessman who lives near Liberty, and independent candidate Nicholas Troiano, of Pike County. The 10th District, which encompasses all or part of 15 counties, is the largest in geographical area in the commonwealth.

Legislative races

Republican Lynda Schlegel Culver, who represents the 108th Legislative District in the state House of Representatives, is unopposed for re-election to a third term. The 108th encompasses part of Northumberland County, including the Sunbury-Milton area, and part of Snyder County.

Two-term Republican Rep. Kurt Masser is seeking re-election in the 107th District, which encompasses eastern Northumberland County, including the Shamokin-Mount Carmel area, a small part of southern Columbia County and all of Montour County.

Masser is opposed by John A. Burd, of Coal Township, a Libertarian Party candidate.

County electorate

Northumberland County currently has 53,546 registered voters who are eligible to vote Nov. 4. Republicans hold a registration lead of almost 2,700.

SUNBURY - A Northumberland County judge will decide if cases involving two men accused of cooking methamphetamine in the basement of a Coal Township home will be consolidated.

During a hearing Wednesday morning, assistant district attorney Michael Toomey requested the cases of Roger J. Shaw, 42, and Thomas Michael Reddinger, 31, both tenants of 1012 W. Spruce St., be consolidated. Public defender John Broda and special conflicts counsel Susan Schwartz, who represent Shaw and Reddinger, respectively, opposed Toomey's request.

President Judge William H. Wiest took the request under advisement after hearing arguments from the attorneys and is expected to render a ruling by the end of the week.

Shaw and Reddinger are each scheduled for a pre-trial conference at 1:15 p.m. Dec. 5.

Last week, both defendants declined offers by the district attorney's office to accept a plea agreement. They can still enter pleas at the conference or face trials.

Shaw is charged by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan and Shamokin Cpl. Jarrod Scandle with possession of liquid ammonia gas, methamphetamine production, operating a methamphetamine laboratory, four counts of manufacturing with children under the age of 18 in the home, four counts of causing or risking a catastrophe, criminal conspiracy to produce methamphetamine and manufacturing with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Reddinger is charged by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano and Coal Township Patrolman Joshua Wynn with possession of liquid ammonia gas, methamphetamine production, operating a methamphetamine laboratory, four counts of manufacturing with children under the age of 18 in the home, four counts of causing or risking a catastrophe, criminal conspiracy to produce methamphetamine and manufacturing with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Reddinger also is charged by Primerano with manufacturing methamphetamine, possessing precursors and chemicals related to manufacturing methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine with the intent to sell, operating a methamphetamine lab and illegal dumping of methamphetamine waste.

Both defendants remain in Northumberland County Prison, where they have been incarcerated since their arrest in early August.

Police said a confidential informant tipped them off after being asked by Reddinger to purchase materials used to cook meth, including cold packs and lighter fluid. The informant, who met Reddinger at 1012 W. Spruce St. Aug. 4, later told police the drug had been manufactured in Reddinger's basement.

A search warrant was obtained and officers from Coal Township, Shamokin and Northumberland County Adult Probation entered Reddinger's home at about 8:40 p.m. Aug. 4. An adult female, identified in the warrant as April Stahl, and children ages 8, 10, 11 and 13 were on the first floor while Reddinger and Shaw were in the basement.

Employees from Northumberland County Children and Youth Services were brought on scene to help with the children. The home was evacuated and the 1000 block of West Spruce Street was closed to traffic. Reddinger and Shaw were decontaminated at the scene.

According to police, a witness showed police July 29 a location in a wooded area just south of South Market Street where methamphetamine was allegedly manufactured by Reddinger.

At the site was a campfire with lithium batteries, coffee filters and waste and paraphernalia related to manufacturing methamphetamine. A hut was situated nearby.

Police also found a plastic soda bottle containing methamphetamine residue at the site.

On Aug. 4, Reddinger admitted in an interview with police he used three outdoor locations to manufacture methamphetamine, including the site near South Market Street.

In addition to the multiple felony drug-related offenses, Reddinger owes $32,734.43 in child support.

Trick or treat at the Moose

SHAMOKIN - Trick or treaters are invited to the Shamokin Moose on Rock Street from 6 to 8 p.m. today. The event oincides with the city's trick or treat night.

Tax office open Friday

Mount Carmel Township/Marion Heights Borough tax office will be open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, which is the last day to pay face amount of taxes.

'Stock Up and Save Up'

SHAMOKIN - The Penn State Cooperative Extension will present a educational series, "Stock Up and Save Up," at Restoration Ministries Hall, West Chestnut and South Third streets, from 6 to 8 p.m. on four consecutive Tuesdays starting Nov. 4.

The free educational series, presented by nutrition education adviser Cyndi Clayton, will help people discover ways to save at the store while improving their family's budget and health. Using Clayton's tips, the average family in Pennsylvania will save $100 a month after attending the workshop series, cooperative extension reports.

Sample recipes are prepared in each class and graduation prizes are awarded on the final date for those who attend all four sessions. To qualify for the free session, attendees must take care of a child 20 under age 20 and meet income guidelines. To pre-register, text or call 570-369-8708 or send an email to cac53@psu.edu.

SHAMOKIN - A contractor responsible for a Shamokin home renovation project valued around $28,000 is facing charges after police said he failed to complete the job and took concrete blocks that had been paid for by the owner of the building.

Brian J. Russell Sr., 46, of 29 W. Mahanoy St., Mahanoy City, was charged Friday by Shamokin Patrolman Ryamond Siko II with misdemeanor counts of home improvement fraud, theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Siko said Russell had been hired by Todd Heath, of Third Street, Shamokin, to perform work on Heath's home. As part of the work, Russell kept a trailer near Heath's home. When Russell removed the trailer, he took 71 12-inch concrete blocks valued at $4.50 each, for a total of $319.50, police allege.

Russell also failed to complete work for which he had been paid at Heath's home. The uncompleted portions of the project include installing vinyl siding, channel, soffit and facia and backfilling the lot, the complaint says.

Heath initially filed a complaint regarding the removed concrete blocks in February, but the case was placed on hold due to a possible civil issue.

No associated construction company was listed in the criminal complaint.

MANDATA - The Line Mountain school board and teachers union will avoid a strike next week by starting the arbitration process.

Mark Shearer, president of the Line Mountain Education Association, issued a statement Wednesday on behalf of the union stating the teachers are "willing to enter into voluntary, non-binding arbitration." The board of directors had voted unanimously Monday to offer non-binding arbitration as a last-minute effort to avoid a strike, which was scheduled to start Nov. 5.

Superintendent David M. Campbell is happy with the development and that students will not be affected by a strike.

"I truly believe everyone is relieved for our children," he said.

Non-binding arbitration will involve one representative appointed by both the board and teachers and a neutral party selected by the two sides from a list provided by the American Arbitration Association. The panel will hear arguments from the board and teachers and make a recommendation.

Non-binding arbitration would have become mandatory anyway if a strike would have lasted long enough to prevent 180 days of instruction prior to June 15 or the last day of the scheduled school year, whichever comes first.

Directors had also unanimously approved offering to participate in a fact-finding process with the union if the non-binding arbitration option was not accepted. That process involves a single state-appointed fact-finder who considers each side's position and issues a report. Non-binding arbitration and the fact-finding process are permitted through Act 88, the 1992 law that governs how teachers strikes are carried out in Pennsylvania.

Fact-finding dispute

Despite the positive development, tension was still evident Wednesday.

In Shearer's statement, a copy of which was provided to The News-Item by the school board, he was critical of the board's move to offer fact-finding.

"We question the board's legal advice with regard to this matter as it is commonly known that fact finding cannot occur after a strike notice has been issued," he wrote.

He cites Section 1122-A of Act 88, which states, "...fact-finding may not be implemented between the period of notice to strike and the conclusion of a strike or during final best-offer arbitration. ..."

The union had provided strike notice Oct. 8 after the latest failed negotiation session, in which teachers and board members remained in separate rooms while state-appointed mediator transported messages between the two parties.

School board representative Benjamin L. Pratt acknowledge in a statement on the board's behalf that fact-finding could not have occurred because of the strike notice, but said the board is legally allowed to offer fact-finding, and if the union would have wanted to participate it could have "pulled the notice and entered into fact-finding as it is an impasse procedure under the law."

"If the association felt it was necessary for the parties to go through fact-finding, they had the same right as the district to request for it throughout negotiations," Pratt said.

LMEA representative Mark McDade did not comment when reached Wednesday. LMEA president Mark Shearer could not be reached by press time.

Line Mountain teachers have been working on an expired contract since June 2012. There are about 100 teachers employed in the district.

Susquehanna Valley gas prices dropped six cents this week to $3.159 a gallon, according to AAA East Central's Fuel Gauge report.

On the national front

Tuesday's national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.03 per gallon, the lowest mark since Dec. 27, 2010. Tuesday's price is six cents less than one week ago, 31 cents less than one month ago and 25 cents less than one year ago.

Seventeen states currently register an average gas price below $3.00 per gallon with drivers in South Carolina ($2.78) paying the nation's lowest average prices at the pump. Hawaii ($4.06) remains the only state with prices above $4.00 per gallon.

Gas prices typically decline this time of year, but have fallen more swiftly than usual due to the sharply declining price of crude oil. The cost of crude oil accounts for approximately two-thirds of the price consumers pay for gasoline, which means, barring any other factors, gas prices will continue to fall as long as crude oil prices decline.

Continuing unrest in Iraq and geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe have taken a backseat to an emerging belief by many market watchers that global supply - including significantly higher oil production in the United States - is outpacing global demand growth.

This assessment has helped sink West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices to near $80 per barrel for the first time since June 2012. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is scheduled to convene Nov. 27 in Vienna to discuss global demand and the impact of increased production by non-OPEC countries. At the close of formal trading on Friday, WTI was down $1.08 at $81.01 per barrel on the NYMEX.

(AAA East Central - a not-for-profit association with 82 local offices in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, New York and Kentucky servicing 2.7 million members - provides Fuel Gauge each week.)

This week's Susquehanna Valley average price - $3.159

Average price during the week of Oct. 21, 2014 - $3.221

Average price during the week of Oct. 29, 2013 - $3.381

The average price for unleaded regular gasoline in Pennsylvania Tuesday is $3.168.

The following is a list of the average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:

Lewisburg - $3.079

Mifflinburg - $3.199

Milton - $3.117

Selinsgrove - $3.173

Shamokin - $3.201

Sunbury - $3.186

MILTON - A second continuance has been granted for a Northumberland man charged in relation to the death of a 9-year-old Sunbury boy.

Victor W. Hare III, 58, of 196 Springhouse Road, is scheduled to appear at 10 a.m. Dec. 4 before Magisterial District Judge Michael Diehl. He was originally scheduled to appear Oct. 22. That date was first pushed back to Nov. 5.

Hare is charged with felony counts of child endangerment and gun possession. He was home and in charge of caring for Korbin Rager, who died Oct. 13 of an apparent drug overdose.

Police said a search of Hare's home turned up more than 40 bottles of various prescriptions, including Oxycontin. There was also alcohol throughout the house. None of it was secured, police said.

Also found in Hare's bedroom closet were a hinge-action 12-gauge shotgun and two bolt-action .22-caliber rifles. He is a previously convicted felon and is barred from possessing firearms.

Hare remains jailed at Northumberland County Prison, Sunbury, in lieu of $290,000 combined total bail on all charges.

ELYSBURG - Dr. Mary Lazarski-Stout had practiced physical therapy in various care homes, hospitals and other institutions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for more than 10 years following her graduation from Quinnipiac College in Hamden, Conn., in 1977.

Her career had started quickly and successfully, but she believed she had the skills, passion and commitment to do more.

In 1989, she took a leap of faith and started her own business in a former home at 4 N. Sixth St. in Shamokin.

Twenty-five years later, Central Penn Physical Therapy is among the most recognized physical therapy businesses in the region, and has grown to include a location along Route 487 in Elysburg. Lazarski-Stout remains the sole owner, a hands-on therapist who is celebrating her business' silver anniversary.

"Providing physical therapy is not just a job, it's my profession, my career and my passion," she said. "I like what I do, helping, healing and caring for others, improving their quality of life."

'Pain-free' living

A Kulpmont native and 1973 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, Stout said the science of physical therapy has grown by leaps and bounds throughout her career, and she works hard to keep pace. Her skills have expanded and her business has adapted. She earned a doctorate degree from Shenandoah University in Virginia in 2009 and launched the Balance and Gait Center, located in Suite 2 of Central PA Prosthetics & Orthotics, 173 S. Market St., Elysburg, in November 2011.

Stout notes a doctorate in physical therapy wasn't even available when she began her career 37 years ago.

But the primary goal of a physical therapist remains unchanged, and for Stout, that means getting patients back to living a "pain-free" life.

"We always work to treat the cause, not the symptoms," she said. "It is my goal to work hand and hand with doctors and medical professionals on treating the cause of the problem."

'Does wonders'

The Elysburg location is not only a clinical setting; it features a full fitness center.

"The fitness center treats the whole patient, helping them to adapt a wellness lifestyle with preventative care," Stout said.

It keeps Patricia Trelinskie, of Paxinos, coming back three times a week.

"I started here in 2005 after having shoulder surgery," she said. "After the first six weeks, I had no pain. Everyone here was very professional, and Mary really knows her stuff."

Trelinskie would later have surgery on her other shoulder, then suffered a herniated disk in her neck. All three times, she came back to Central Penn.

"Everyone here really does wonders with their patients," Trelinskie said. "I really enjoy coming here."

Audress Hinkle, of Riverside, came to Central Penn for treatment of weakness in her legs.

"My doctor suggested I come here and I jumped at the chance," Hinkle said. "I missed a couple of appointments lately,

and now I'm back and really glad to be here."

Balance center

The chance for falls inherent with the region's elderly population prompted Stout to open her balance center and fall prevention clinic.

"When a person gets older, they start to have some pain and stiffness, they start to have mobility issues," Stout said. "When stiffness sets in, they have movement issues and their balance starts to go."

Once the balance goes, she says, people would rather sit at home and do nothing for fear of falling, thus degrading their quality of life.

"A lot of what we do is preventative care. I want to teach people proper posture and proper balance techniques, so that they can continue to live their life with no problems," Stout said.

Central Penn also offers programs specific to the geriatric population for arthritic conditions, surgeries, total joint replacements and spinal stenosis.

Also offered are sports therapy and training programs, with several created for local high school teams; treatments for work injuries and for general orthopedic and neurological problems.

"Physical therapists are specially trained to find problems of the muscloskeletal system," Stout said. "If we can't reproduce the pain in the clinic, we will work with the doctor to determine the problem."

Central Penn also offers massage therapy, treating clients with neuromuscular massage, Swedish massage, hot stone massage therapy, myofascial release techniques and specialty massages for treating TMJ and carpal tunnel.

Adjunct professor

Having earned her doctorate, Stout is now helping train the next generation of doctors of physical therapy through her role as an adjunct faculty member of Misericordia University's doctor of physical therapy program.

A local student was working at her Elysburg facility earlier this month.

"This is such a great place to learn," said Elizabeth Murdock, a second-year student at Misercordia University. "The staff and patients are so great, and it's a lot of fun to work here."

Murdock said if she ever has the chance to open her own practice, she would like to model it after Central Penn.

"Mary is so successful and a great teacher," she said, "a very good role model to aspire to."

Such compliments, and the accolades she's earned from the industry are welcome and appreciated, but Stout said the true measurement of her success is found in a binder and a basket filled with greeting cards in the waiting room.

"Those are our success stories and notes from our patients," she said. "They are the reason we strive to provide the gold standard of care."

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; poker, 9:30 a.m., new players welcome; executive board meeting, 10:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; world news, noon; Unlucky 7's, noon, new players welcome.

Tuesday - Center closed. Election Day.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Boscov's shopping, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $5.40 each way paid to driver; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.; commodity food pick up, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; grab and go breakfast for those who ordered; Walk-A-Mile, 9:30 a.m.; members meeting, 10:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, puzzles and shuffleboard, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Wii games, 9:30 a.m.; exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Center closed. Election Day.

Wednesday - Coffee and gab, 9:30 a.m.; officers meeting, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; members meeting, 1 p.m.; nickel bingo follows meeting.

Thursday - Grab and go breakfast, arrives at 8 a.m.; Wii Wheel of Fortune, 10 a.m.; trip to Longhorn Steak House; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle/Unlucky 7's, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Last day to sign up for hamburger lunch; morning news and coffee, 9 a.m.; VNA blood pressure/blood sugar, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Coffee and gab in the morning; chair exercise, 9 a.m.; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 11 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Center closed. Election Day.

Wednesday - Chair exercise and gab, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:30 a.m.; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Music and coffee in the morning; Italian wedding soup for those who signed up, 11:30 a.m.; members meeting, 12:30 p.m.; bingo follows meeting.

Friday - Wii bowling and bean bag in the morning; lunch at Masser's, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $2; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and current events, 9 a.m.; Walmart shopping, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Election Day. Ellen Popson, memory loss with aging, 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Panera Bread day. Advisory board meeting, 10:30 a.m.; auction and fundraiser, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Coffee and snacks with socialization, 9 a.m.

Friday - Fun Friday. Open activities.

Elysburg

Monday - Rummage sale this week; Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Royal Rummy, 10:30 a.m.; Linda Walker from Focus Health speaking on shingles, 11 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Trevorton

Monday - Wii bowling, 9:30; exercise, 10 a.m.; Unlucky 7's, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Center closed. Election Day.

Wednesday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; board games, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; members meeting, 10 a.m.; CSFP box distribution, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday - Trip Christmas show; exercise, 10 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; Weis Markets trip, noon; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

SUNBURY - A Northumberland County judge ruled Thursday that a New York man locked up on felony gun and drug charges would be a potential flight risk and a danger to the community if he were released.

Judge Charles H. Saylor ruled from the bench in turning down Esteven Soto's request to be released on nominal bail, usually $1. Soto, 30, of 1752 Walton Ave., 6A, Bronx, remains held on $250,000 bail at Montour County Prison, Danville.

Saylor considered Soto's past felony convictions on gun and drug charges, entered into exhibit by the district attorney's office. William Cole, assistant district attorney, added that Soto would be brought to trial in January.

Soto's own housing arrangements hindered his case. He told the court that he would live with his sister, Jazmin

Hernandez, of Milton. But Hernandez had a relationship with Soto's co-defendant, Rafael Diroche, at the time of their arrest in Mount Carmel on Feb. 8 stemming from the attempted homicide investigation into the shooting of 21-year-old Salicia Yost of Milton.

They were taken into custody following the search of a vehicle and a Mount Carmel apartment where they were staying. Cocaine, heroin and firearms were recovered by police. Neither man is charged in the shooting, and nor is anyone else.

Soto has been held since Feb. 9, 264 calendar days, on three felony counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, one felony count of illegally possessing a firearm, and three misdemeanor counts of possession of controlled substances.

He sought release on the state's Rule 600, which says a defendant held on bail must be brought to trial within 180 days or be released on nominal bail.

Diroche, 29, of 250 S. Poplar St., Apt. 3, Mount Carmel, has also filed a motion for release on nominal bail, citing Rule 600. A bail hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19.

He is held in the Northumberland County Prison on $300,000 bail on six counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, six counts of illegal possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a license, receiving stolen property and criminal use of a communication facility, all of which are felonies. Diroche is also charged with misdemeanors of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Registration for baskets

COAL TOWNSHIP - A last-chance registration will be held next week for Salvation Army Christmas baskets and toys.

Registrations, by appointment only, will be held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Salvation Army headquarters, 1300 W. Spruce St.

Contact the Salvation Army at 570-644-0486 during office hours to make an appointment.

Veterans program in seventh year

GOWEN CITY - St. Paul's Lutheran Church will host its seventh annual veterans dinner and program Sunday, Nov. 9.

The event begins with a meal at 3 p.m. followed by recognition of veterans. This year's speaker is Coal Township police detective Jeff Brennan, a veteran of the Coast Guard.

All veterans from East Cameron Township or who attend St. Paul's Lutheran or St. Paul's Reformed UCC churches in the township are invited.

Fifth annual Turkey Trot set

The fifth annual Geisinger Turkey Trot 5K Walk and Fun Run will be held at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22, at three locations.

The races will begin at Geisinger Medical Center, Hospital for Advanced Medicine (HfAM) in Danville; Nay Aug Park in Scranton and Geisinger-Gray's Woods in Port Matilda.

The cost is $20 for pre-registered runners by Nov. 12. Runners will receive a race T-shirt. Overall winners of each race will receive a turkey. Proceeds from the turkey trot benefit Children's Miracle Network at Geisinger.

The funds raised by this event will help to provide pediatric equipment, programs and services at Janet Weis Children's Hospital and throughout Geisinger Health System.

Benefit for slain trooper

ALLENWOOD - A Chinese auction will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Warrior Run Social Hall in Allenwood to support the family of Cpl. Bryon Dickson, of Dunmore, who was shot and killed Sept. 12 outside Blooming Grove State Police Barracks in Pike County.

"PSP Strong" T-shirts will be sold at the event being organized by Trooper Matt Lada of state police at Milton.

The staff of the Northumberland County District Attorney's Office has donated a gift basket for the auction.

KULPMONT - A pedestrian suffered a broken leg and other injuries Wednesday afternoon near Turkey Hill Minit Market when struck by a car operated by a Shamokin man who then assaulted him as he was lying on the ground.

Eric Lee Lebo Sr., 27, of 66 Raspberry Hill, remains in the county jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bail after being arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones on multiple offenses, including two felony counts of aggravated assault.

Kulpmont Police Chief Michael Pitcavage and Patrolman Patrick McAndrew found Shane Parker, 32, of Kulpmont, lying on the ground on North Ninth Street next to the convenience store shortly after 5 p.m. Police said Parker was complaining of pain in his upper right leg that suffered a femur fracture. AREA Services personnel treated Parker at the scene before transporting him to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Pitcavage reported hospital officials have Parker listed in fair condition.

Lebo's wife, Kelly, told police her husband dropped her off at Turkey Hill before dumping her clothes out of garbage bags onto the street and leaving in a gold Saturn. The defendant then returned to Turkey Hill and hit Parker with his car in the left leg, police said. Lebo exited his auto and punched Parker in the face, causing him to fall on the ground. Police said Lebo continued to punch Parker while on the ground before getting into his vehicle and fleeing toward Shamokin.

In addition to the broken leg, police said Parker suffered a bloody lip and red marks on his face.

Lebo was later located standing outside a relative's home at 206 S. Pearl St., Shamokin, and taken into custody. The car he was operating also was discovered in front of the Shamokin home.

During an interview with police, Lebo said he dropped his wife off at Turkey Hill, where an argument ensued. Lebo said he then left the scene before realizing that his wife was going to meet Parker, which prompted him to turn around at Walmart Supercenter, return to Turkey Hill and strike Parker with the front bumper of his car. Lebo claimed he tried to stop the auto to avoid striking Parker.

Lebo admitted assaulting Parker on the ground before leaving the scene.

Police said several witnesses observed Lebo strike the victim with his vehicle and assault Parker.

In addition to aggravated assault, Pitcavage charged Lebo with a felony of accidents involving death or personal injury, misdemeanors of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, and summaries of harassment and failure to give information and render aid at an accident.

Lebo is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Wednesday before Jones.

LEWISBURG - Financial assistance is available through Evangelical Community Hospital for low-income women seeking a mammogram.

Evangelical's Thyra M. Humphreys Center for Breast Health receives generous support from community members and organizations, including grants from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and from the Degenstein Foundation. It's allowed the center to extend the number of screenings and diagnostic image studies it is able to offer women who are financially unable to pay for the screening or follow-up imaging.

For more information on the funding available and for mammogram scheduling, call the center at 570-522-4200.

Evangelical is building on the momentum that comes from Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. In November, Evangelical Medical Services Organization will be reaching out to women throughout the community during the 10th annual Mammathon, an event designed to motivate women to schedule their annual mammograms.

"Our physicians, nurses and other caregivers want to encourage women who are due for mammograms to schedule them. Having trained medical personnel make calls to patients gives them the opportunity to talk about the importance of having a mammogram, explain other imaging that may be needed, and address patient questions and concerns related to breast health," said Andrea Bertram, director of the Thyra M. Humphreys Center for Breast Health.

It is recommended that women at average risk of breast cancer should begin mammographic screening at the age of 40 and continue every 12 months. There is no definitive age at which women should stop receiving screening.

The goal of a mammogram is to detect cancer when it is still too small to be felt by a woman or her physician. Through annual mammograms and routine breast exams, the odds of finding cancer early are increased, according to the American Cancer Society. Early detection of breast cancer can improve chances of successful treatment with more treatment options and less extensive surgery.

SHAMOKIN - Area residents will team up with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the fight against childhood cancer from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Knights of Columbus, 400 E. Independence St.

A lasagna dinner will be held to provide area residents the opportunity to help support the lifesaving mission of one of the world's premier pediatric cancer research centers.

The donation is $9 for adults and $5 for children under 12.

The dinner will include lasagna, bread/butter, salad, dessert and a beverage. Patrons may eat in or take out. Limited tickets will be available at the door or tickets can be obtained by calling 570-648-3623.

"We are excited to help raise awareness and funds to support the mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which is to find cures and save children," said Joe Choker, a representative of the Knights of Columbus. "This third annual Lasagna Dinner will truly make a difference in helping the children of St. Jude fight cancer and other deadly diseases."

Since opening in 1962, St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and around the world. No child is ever denied treatment because of a family's inability to pay. With a daily operating cost of $1.7 million, St. Jude depends mostly on public contributions and fundraising events.

Generous sponsors of the lasagna dinner include Shamokin Knights of Columbus, Mac's Hoagies, Mattucci's Italian Restaurant, Medicine Shoppe, Brewser's Sports Grille, Furmano's, Varano's Warehouse and Weis Markets.